Cation distribution and magnetic study of Cr-substituted lithium ferrites

Nanocrystalline Li 0.5 Fe 2.5−x Cr x O 4 (2.5 ≥ x ≥ 0) systems were prepared by the sol–gel method. Formation of single phase cubic spinel structure for all the compositions was confirmed from their X-ray diffraction patterns. The lattice parameter shows a decreasing trend with the increase in Cr content. Infrared spectra showed two main absorption bands in the range 400–800 cm −1 arising due to tetrahedral and octahedral stretching vibrations. A room temperature magnetization result shows a ferromagnetic behavior decreases with increase in chromium content. The detailed results of structural and magnetic have been discussed so as to bring out the role of Cr substitution in lithium ferrite.